Shillong gets its name from U-Shillong, a strong god located at 1,491 meters above sea level. The city is situated in the middle of a flat surrounded by green hills. Guwahati is 103 kilometers away from this lovely city.
1. Shillong Peak
At 6449 feet or 1965 meters above sea level, Shillong Peak is the city’s highest point and is one of the many best picturesque Shillong places to visit. It provides a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city and the Himalayas, the luscious green valleys, their waterfalls, national park, and the Bangladesh lowlands that comprise to becoming the glorious beauty of nature. Tourists can use a telescope to see a bird’s eye view. Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak for the finest views is highly recommended, but it is sometimes restricted during dense fog.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: free
- Location: Peak Viewing Point, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004
2. Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons, perched on the East Khasi Hills, is a stunning tourism and hiking attraction to see the Shillong scenery and thus takes the place of one of the major tourist attractions of Shillong. The canyons are roughly a half-hour drive south of Shillong, at a distance of 21 kilometers. This Shillong location is isolated and tranquil, making it perfect for calm and peaceful retreats. The beauty of nature is at prime here.
- Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Location: CWX5+GHH, Meghalaya 793015
3. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is a beautiful man-made reservoir located 15 kilometers north of Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital. The lake was constructed after the establishment of a dam to generate hydroelectric power. The sunrise over the lake is a breathtaking sight to see and the scenic beauty should not be overlooked. A park next to Umiam Lake is popular for picnics and is frequented by those seeking a respite from their busy lives. It is one of the many Shillong best places to spend your time.
- Timings: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., water sports activities are available.
- Entry Fee: Pedal boat/canoe/kayak (30 mins)- INR 20,
- Skiing– INR 200,
- Scooter– INR 50,
- River bus– INR 50,
- Yachting– INR 100
- Location: MW92+WCJ, Umiam, Meghalaya 793103
4. Nohsngithiang Falls
The Nohsngithiang Falls, about 4 kilometers from Cherrapunjee, is one of India’s highest waterfalls, a popular tourist attraction, and one of the busiest Shillong tourist places. It is also known as Mawsmai Falls since it is located in the Mawsmai hamlet of the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. The Nohsngithiang Falls is divided into seven falls from a height of roughly 1033 feet. These are known as the Seven Sister Waterfalls. The spectacular waterfall is only visible during the monsoon season, and it cascades over the limestone-covered slopes. The scenic views of the Falls make it one of the major tourist attractions of Shillong.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry fee: no entry fee
- Location: East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, India
5. Spread Eagle Falls
The Spread-Eagle Falls, located in the East Khasi District, 6 kilometers from Shillong Cantonment, is the broadest in the beautiful city of Shillong. Because it is said that Ka Liar slid into the waterfall, it is also known as Sati Falls or Urkaliar. It is one of the magnificent places for tourists to visit and has a rich heritage attached to it. Other than that, it is a favorite picnicking spot among the locals. Besides, it is named Spread Eagle Falls because it resembles an eagle with its wings spread wide.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Entry fee: no entry fee
- Location: Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
6. Phan Nonglait Park
Lady Hydari Park is a public park in Shillong, Meghalaya, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Shillong Bus Stand. It is also known as Phan Nonglait Park and is the only park in Shillong having a zoo. It is one of the greatest locations to visit in Shillong which offers a panoramic view of nature. Lady Hydari, the wife of the Governor of Assam, is honored at this park. The Park, which spans more than a kilometer, is constructed in the Japanese garden style.
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM, Closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Person & Rs. 10 for Camera
- Location: HV8J+8MF, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Shillong is bustling with activity throughout the day, and there are plenty of opportunities for excellent shopping. The Police Bazar is Shillong’s main retail district. It’s where you’ll find the most diverse range of local goods.
1. Bara Bazar
One of the most popular locations to visit in Shillong is Northeast India’s Largest Traditional Market. Locals refer to it as Lewduh Bazar, but visitors refer to it as Bara Bazar. This market is one of the largest and oldest trading centers in the Northeast, and it is run by Hima Mylliem, a historic Khasi state.
- Location: Lewduh, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Timing: 10am-6pm
- Entry fee: free entry
OB Retail Mall is the only well-known shopping complex gracing the streets of the hill station, among the many street markets for shopping that you may discover in Shillong. Every day, it is visited by many residents and visitors who come not only to buy but also to relax and catch up with their loved ones.
- Location: Jail Road, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
- Timing: 9am-9pm
- Entry fee: free entry
3. Rebecca’s Thrift store
Every town has its narrative to tell, and some have a lot of hidden jewels. If you’re looking for unique goods from another period, Rebecca’s thrift store is one of the best locations to shop in Shillong. This secondhand store has everything from antique clocks to vintage cameras, exotic watches, to ancient radios.
- Location: O.B. shopping mall, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
- Timing: 9:30am – 8:30pm
- Entry fee: free entry
4. Daniel Syiem
At Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House, he is the Co-Founder, Creative Director, and Lead Designer. Daniel Syiem knew he wanted to work in the fashion industry since he was a child. After winning the North-East Best Designer Award in 2000, he began to show his talent in fashion shows around India.
- Location: C/O “Boscobel” Arbuthnot Road, Nongrim Road, opp. Downtown Diagnostic Center, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003
- Timing: 10am – 5pm
- Entry fee: free entry
5. Glory’s Plaza
Glory’s Plaza is a clothing store that offers jeans, tops, shirts, pants, and nearly everything else you can think of. You may also purchase other goods such as caps, shorts, Bermudas, and so on. It is one of the most well-known shops in the area. There are a few eateries near the plaza that serve the yummiest street cuisine.
- Location: Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
- Timings: 11 am to 8:30 pm
Top 5 Museum of Shillong that you should not miss
Shillong city has some of the best museums that you should visit. Various museums may be found, each with a large collection of pre-independence antiquities that have been well kept.
Zoological museum
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Museum in Shillong is near Risa Colony’s fruit orchards. This zoological gym was founded in 1916. It was the first regional zoological center in the Northeast, excluding Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, in 1959. The government funds the museum, in which golden langurs, peacocks, and a python skeleton are among its zoological exhibits.
- Timing: 9am – 5pm
- Location: Zoological Survey of India, NERC, Fruit Garden, Risa Colony
- Entry fee: free entry
Butterfly museum
Butterfly Museum, also known as the Entomological Museum, is one of Shillong’s most famous tourist spots. The museum, located near Christian Academy School on the Riatsamthiah Jaiaw, has a large collection of colorful butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects.
- Timings: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
- Entry Fee: INR 5 per person
- Location: Near Christian Academy School, Riatsamthiah Jaiaw
Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum, dubbed Asia’s biggest Museum of Indigenous Cultures, is the home of Northeast India’s exquisite culture and heritage. It is conveniently placed near the Police Bazaar in the Mawlai neighborhood.
- Timings: Monday – Saturday: Summers: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM & Winters (1 Dec – 31 Jan): 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Adult (Indians): INR 100 Adult (Foreigners): INR 200
- Students (Indians): INR 50 Students (Foreigners): INR 150
- Location: Mawlai Phudmuri, Mawlai Mawdatbaki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793008
Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum, located in the Upper Shillong region, is a fantastic exhibition of the country’s defense forces, particularly the Air Force, and a great place to learn about the country’s defense history.
- Timings: Winters: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Summers: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Break Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM daily, Closed on Sunday-Monday
- Entry fee: free entry
- Location: 7th mile, HQ, EAC, Shillong, Meghalaya 793005
Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum
The Williamson Sangma State Museum is a museum dedicated to ethnography. It provides valuable insight into the Khasis, Jaintia/ Pnars, and Garos/ Achik matrilineal groups. If you are into history, culture, traditions, and lifestyle, it is a must-visit place for you.
- Timing: Winters: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm; Summers: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Entry fee: -Adults: ₹5
-Kids below 10 yrs: ₹2
-Students: ₹3
-Institutional groups: ₹3
-Mobile & DSLR: ₹10
-Video: ₹250
-Documentary: ₹3,000
- Location: State Central Library Complex, IGP – 793001
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I commute to Shillong?
A:
Shillong is a tiny city, yet you can find various commuting options such as cab, taxi, rickshaw, etc.
Q: How much do Shillong tour packages cost?
A:
Shillong packages start at INR 5476 and may be modified based on the number of persons, days, hotel category, car type, and other factors.
Q: What are the best places to visit in Shillong?
A:
The Mawlynnong Village: Famous for being Asia Cleanest Village
Nohkalikai Falls: Tallest Plunge Waterfall in India
Rhino Heritage Museum
Q: Which hotels in Shillong are the best?
A:
Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast, OYO 10491 Pumpkin Guest House, Risa Maria HomeStay with Kitchen, Adorable StayShillong, are some famous hotels in Shillong.
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